Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), in collaboration with Nazsoft Tech Sdn Bhd and supported by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, has launched Madani Digital Trade (MDT), a virtual integrated platform designed to strengthen domestic exporters’ access to international markets.
Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said the MDT is a transformative initiative aimed at helping SMEs expand into international markets through digital solutions.
He said the initiative aligns with the Madani economy framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, which emphasise economic security, inclusivity and technological adoption.
SMEs make up 97% of the country’s business landscape, yet they still lag in digital adoption due to high costs and limited literacy. The MDT will bridge this gap by providing a one-stop platform for export promotion, business matching, and capacity-building.
Tengku Zafrul said the MDT integrates technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing to enhance trade efficiency, and also offers training, advisory services and financial support mechanisms to SMEs.
Furthermore, the MDT initiative aims to position Malaysian SMEs more competitively in regional and global trade, with a strong focus on ASEAN, China and India under Malaysia’s trade agreements.
Minister Tengku Zafrul noted that intra-ASEAN trade currently accounts for only about 23–24% of the region’s total global trade. Moving forward, the MDT initiative is expected to serve as a crucial tool in enhancing the presence of Malaysian exporters in this large and high-potential market. The government is also exploring ways to expand the MDT’s scope by integrating it with global e-commerce platforms, cross-border digital payment systems, and strengthening cybersecurity measures.
With Malaysia’s rapidly growing digital economy, the country’s role and position in ASEAN provide a favorable foundation for MDT’s implementation. This initiative is expected to reinforce Malaysia’s status as a regional trade hub while ensuring long-term economic sustainability. By leveraging the MDT, SMEs can access new markets, further positioning Malaysia as a key player in global trade./.
